It is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest garden plant and becomes a tree, ¹  so that the wild birds ²  come and nest in its branches.” ³ 

when it is sown, it grows up, ¹  becomes the greatest of all garden plants, and grows large branches so that the wild birds ²  can nest in its shade.” ³ 

But the one who did not know his master’s will ¹  and did things worthy of punishment ²  will receive a light beating. ³  From everyone who has been given much, much will be required, ⁴  and from the one who has been entrusted with much, ⁵  even more will be asked. ⁶ 

John ¹  testified ²  about him and shouted out, ³  “This one was the one about whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is greater than I am, ⁴  because he existed before me.’”

The one who comes from above is superior to all. ¹  The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. ²  The one who comes from heaven ³  is superior to all. ⁴ 

If others receive this right from you, are we not more deserving? But we have not made use of this right. Instead we endure everything so that we may not be a hindrance to the gospel of Christ.

We ought to thank God always for you, brothers and sisters, ¹  and rightly so, ²  because your faith flourishes more and more and the love of each one of you all for one another is ever greater.

Such trials show the proven character of your faith, ¹  which is much more valuable than gold – gold that is tested by fire, even though it is passing away ²  – and will bring praise ³  and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. ⁴ 

Joseph ¹  had a dream, ²  and when he told his brothers about it, ³  they hated him even more. ⁴ 

He said ¹  to his people, “Look at ²  the Israelite people, more numerous and stronger than we are!

The most rewarded ¹  of women should be Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite! She should be the most rewarded of women who live in tents.

Saul became even more afraid of him. ¹  Saul continued to be at odds with David from then on. ² 

Of coral and jasper no mention will be made; the price ¹  of wisdom is more than pearls. ² 

He ¹  will descend like rain on the mown grass, ²  like showers that drench ³  the earth. ⁴ 

Your knowledge is beyond my comprehension; it is so far beyond me, I am unable to fathom it. ¹ 

(Let the wise also ¹  hear ²  and gain ³  instruction, and let the discerning ⁴  acquire ⁵  guidance! ⁶ )

The blessing ¹  from the Lord ²  makes a person rich, ³  and he adds no sorrow ⁴  to ⁵  it.

A rebuke makes a greater impression on ¹  a discerning person than a hundred blows on a fool. ² 

A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but vexation ¹  by a fool is more burdensome ²  than the two of them.

Then Nebuchadnezzar ¹  promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.